BILLS INK WITH ETM TO PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO TICKET BUYS

The Bills have signed a deal with CA-based ETM
Entertainment Network to "provide round-the-clock access to
Bills tickets," according to Sharon Linstedt of the BUFFALO
NEWS. The Bills become the first NFL team to use the ETM
machines, which function like ATMs, accepting credit cards
to pay for tickets. However, the machines are currently
used by MLB's Mets, Rangers and Dodgers. The NFL Cardinals
"are expected" to sign with ETM soon. Customers will be
provided with stadium seating diagrams and price options, or
can obtain the "best-available seat" with one touch of the
screen. ETM East Managing Dir Steve Smith said transactions
are completed "very quickly," averaging about 50 seconds.
The machines can also dispense tickets previously ordered
through the Bills ticket offices. Although the team has not
finalized locations for the ETMs, it "is negotiating" with
Marine Midland Bank to put "as many as" 14 in bank branches
near ATMs. The team plans to set up 20 machines. The
service fee for ETM purchases is $2.75 per ticket, compared
to Ticketmaster's $3.50 per ticket fee (BUFFALO NEWS, 6/4).